“Even if I lose everything, this journey itself is the greatest victory.” – Gaurav Mehta
When people think of business hubs in India, cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, or Delhi come to mind. But in recent years, Gujarat has been proving that dreams don’t need big cities to take flight—they just need the right vision. And now, from the heart of Rajkot, a backbencher is set to change the game.
Gaurav Mehta, the founder of Backbencher Perfumes, is proving that success doesn’t belong only to the first-benchers. His journey—from a small-town dreamer to the Emerging Startup of the Year—is inspiring a whole new generation of entrepreneurs.
His journey began at Shree Mahavir Jain Charitra Kalyan Ratnashram, Songadh, where discipline and values shaped his foundation. Later, he moved to Ahmedabad to pursue a diploma in civil engineering, thinking it was the right path. But then, life took an unexpected turn. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted everything, making the future uncertain. The direction once set in stone now felt like shifting sand.
But amidst that uncertainty, Gaurav found a new vision—a dream of building something unique that would leave a mark. His passion for business and technology led to a bold decision—a switch to the IT field, which brought him to B.H. Gardi College, Rajkot.
And today, that journey has led him to something much bigger—a luxury perfume brand that is quietly making waves in India.
The Two Sides of the Story
Gaurav always believes that every person must run in two versions of themselves.
One is the carefree backbencher—the one who cracks jokes, makes everyone laugh, and does things that seem worthless. This is the version the world sees, the version they judge. They assume there’s no future, just another ordinary life ahead.
The other is the silent planner—the one who doesn’t speak much but is always observing, thinking, strategizing, and building. He knows that sharing a billion-dollar idea with someone who can’t see beyond their ₹20,000 mindset is pointless. Dreams should only be shared with those who can understand them; otherwise, they are best kept in silence.
So, lets the world believe what they want. Let them assume life is just about love, fun, and failures. Keep posting random things on stories, keep them distracted. Because the truth is—people don’t hate failures; they hate success.
And when the right time comes, Success make the noise.
Some Inspiring Interview Answers by Gaurav Mehta
“Gaurav, Do You Fear Failure?”
Interviewer: Gaurav, do you fear failure?
Gaurav Mehta: Definitely not. After my parents, my biggest inspiration is MS Dhoni. He always says—“Believe in the process. Don’t stress about the result; it is just a byproduct. If your process is built on good karma, the result will be automatically handled.”
And you know what? Success and failure both have seven letters. Thala for a reason! 😎 So, I don’t worry about either. I just keep moving forward.
“Born in Kolkata, Childhood in Jharia, Now in Gujarat—Where Does Gaurav Feel at Home?”
Interviewer: Gaurav, you were born in a metro city like Kolkata, spent your childhood in Jharia, Dhanbad, and now you are in Gujarat. Where do you feel at home?
Gaurav Mehta: I love the people of Gujarat, and definitely, I was born in Kolkata—so that is my Janmabhoomi (birthplace). But Gujarat is my Karmabhoomi (land of action). This land has given me everything—opportunities, growth, and a place to build my dreams.
Kolkata gave me my roots, my culture, and my values. Gujarat gave me the platform to chase my ambitions. I truly believe Gujarat has given me everything, and it will continue to give me everything. Both places are equally special to me—but in Gujarat, my dreams are taking shape.
The Journey is the Real Victory
For Gaurav, success isn’t about flashy titles or overnight fame—it’s about persistence, passion, and proving that dreams have no boundaries.
From a backbencher with big dreams to building a luxury perfume brand from scratch, his journey is a testament that entrepreneurship isn’t about where you come from, but where you dare to go.
Rajkot may not be known as a startup hub yet, but that’s about to change. With visionaries like Gaurav leading the way, the city’s entrepreneurial future has never looked brighter.
And for those who once doubted him—the journey itself is the greatest victory.
Backbencher Swag Perfumes is a leading name in the fragrance industry, known for crafting premium, long-lasting scents. The brand stands out not only for its unique signature perfumes but also for its expertise in recreating and enhancing high-end luxury fragrances. With an unwavering commitment to quality, Backbencher Swag ensures unmatched longevity, richness, and a world-class fragrance experience. Loyal customers praise the brand for its premium feel and exceptional performance, making it a game-changer in the perfume market. Whether it’s an original creation or an inspired masterpiece, Backbencher Swag continues to set new standards in the world of luxury fragrances.
Backbencher Swag also offers customized perfumes for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, and corporate events. Customers can personalize their fragrance bottles with custom photo frames, greeting cards, and special packaging, making every gift truly unique and memorable.
This is just the beginning. The backbencher is now setting the benchmark. and B.H. Gardi College and Rajkot have every reason to be proud of one of their own taking the lead in the entrepreneurial world.
